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National Voluntary Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard for the Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Sectors
Appendix 1: Biosecurity Self-Evaluation Checklist

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Use the checklist below to conduct a self-assessment of the biosecurity measures currently implemented in a place of production. Indicate with a checkmark whether the biosecurity measure occurs (Yes) or does not occur (No) or is not applicable (NA). Carefully evaluate whether a measure is not applicable to a place of production,as measures that pertain to the place of production but are not implemented should be identified as 'No' as opposed to 'Not Applicable'. Completing the checklist will help identify areas where biosecurity measures may be required and will help provide a framework for the development of a biosecurity plan. Upon completion review the responses. Where 'No' has been checked, refer to the related section of the standard and producer guide to develop actions to implement the biosecurity measure.

Carefully evaluate whether a measure is not applicable to a place of production. It is recognized that not all measures will apply to each of the various commodities and production types included in the scope of the standard.

Date of assessment: space

Section 2.1 Management Practices

Internal and external environment
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Optimal environmental controls are maintained.
A weed-free or managed buffer has been established around the place of production.
Nutrients, growing media and water management
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
An adequate fertilizer program is in place.
Soil and growing media are heat pasteurized, solarized or fumigated between uses.
Water is routinely tested for pathogens, nutrient levels, pH and salt level.
A treatment system is considered when water is recycled.
Plant material selection
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Pest tolerant varieties or cultivars are chosen when possible.
The different pest risks associated with different sources of plant materials are recognized.
Crop protection products and approaches for commonly occurring pests
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
An Integrated Pest Management program is implemented.
Pest thresholds are established to determine when to treat non-regulated pests.
A pesticide resistance management strategy has been developed.
New plants or products are not co-mingled with older material and mother stock.
Pest control methods are considered to prevent pests from neighbouring farms entering the greenhouse.
Section 2.2 Pest Vectors
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Inputs are inspected prior to accepting or moving onto or within the place of production.
Inputs are received, inspected and stored in a designated area away from production areas.
New plants or propagative material are placed in isolation for a period of time.
Section 2.3 Pest Monitoring
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
A monitoring program has been developed.
Information from formal and informal monitoring is used to decide when control measures are implemented.
Records of monitoring activities and pest detections are maintained.
Education has been provided to employees to identify pests and symptoms of pests.
Employees are informed of the process to report pest detections.
Section 2.4 Responding to a Pest
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Infested material is not mixed and does not come into contact with other product.
For unknown pests, laboratories, extension specialists, consultants, researchers and the CFIA are used to confirm pest identification.
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan and response plans are prepared.
Response plans and the pest management plan are periodically reviewed.
The CFIA, provincial or territorial government is contacted when a regulated pest is detected.

Section 3.1 Location and Layout

Geography and environmental factors
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Sites that are not at risk of pest introduction by prevailing wind direction are chosen for planting.
Sites chosen for planting are free of pests of concern.
Topography is used to assist with drainage and reduction of standing water.
When planting in open fields, an assessment of the history and previous land use is conducted for newly acquired or leased land.
Layout
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Information of neighbouring activities is used when choosing a site.
Separate areas are designated for processing, production and propagation activities.
Designated receiving areas for inspection of propagation materials are located away from production areas.
Areas designated for holding and disposal of crop waste, manure, growing media and compost are located away from areas where plants are propagated or grown.
Designated areas for cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles are located in a low risk area.
A map of the place of production is developed.
Section 3.2 Biosecurity Zones
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Signs are placed at main entrances and field approaches to facilitate traffic flow and indicate biosecurity zones.
Entry and exit into biosecurity zones is controlled.
Information about biosecurity zones and traffic flow has been incorporated into the biosecurity plan.
People, goods, products and equipment are moved from clean or low risk areas to high risk areas.

Section 3.3 Movement of People, Vehicles and Equipment

Movement of People
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Employees are trained on the biosecurity protocols and traffic flow for the place of production.
Visitors and service providers are informed of the biosecurity protocols.
Visitors, service providers and employees only access area(s) necessary for their activities.
Visitors and service providers sign a visitors log on arrival.
Access to restricted areas is controlled.
Hand wash stations, foot bath stations are provided at all entrances and exits. Disposable or dedicated outerwear as well as footwear is provided for service providers and visitors that will enter the production areas.
Vehicles and Equipment
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Equipment is cleaned and disinfected after use in high risk areas.
Tools are disinfected before use and between crops or different sections of the place of production.
Section 3.4 Production Inputs
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Production inputs are inspected for signs of pests before entering the place of production.
If the source of a production input is unknown it is segregated from final product or propagative material.
Bareroot or washed material is purchased when possible.
Water used in the place of production is routinely tested to manage nutrient content.
If required, recycled water is treated.
Plastic containers are cleaned and disinfected as necessary prior to reuse.
Purchasing records for inputs are maintained.
Section 3.5 Production Outputs
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Final product is inspected before leaving the place of production.
Final product is labelled.
Compost piles are located away from production areas.
Infected plant material is disposed of by deep burial, transportation to a municipal disposal facility or other method to minimize pest spread.
Section 3.6 Maintenance of Facilities and Properties
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
A property maintenance program is implemented.
Records of maintenance activities are kept.
Areas where pests can enter are minimized or eliminated by regular maintenance activities.
Section 4.0 Education, Training and Communication
Biosecurity Measure Yes No NA Comments
Biosecurity protocols are incorporated into the training program.
Signs and visual aids are used to communicate biosecurity protocols.
Information is provided to employees in the appropriate language.
Employees are given scheduled and periodic training and awareness updates.
The biosecurity plan and training program are reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.
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